User interface is a term you hear frequently in discussions about personal computer software. In virtually all applications built with Microsoft Access, the user interface consists of a series of Access forms. If you intend to develop successful Access applications, you need to understand Access forms inside out.

This chapter helps you improve your understanding of forms. You first take a look at how to programmatically manipulate the many controls that constitute the building blocks out of which forms are constructed. You examine, also, some powerful ways to take advantage of subforms. A section of the chapter is then devoted to presenting a grab-bag of forms-related programming techniques that will help you create forms that wring the best performance from Access and your computer. Then, we discuss the Query By Form feature that enables you to build an intuitive form-based interface between users and Access queries.

Setting Control Properties

The building blocks of Access forms are known as controls. The form design toolbox contains 16 types of controls from which you can build forms: labels, text boxes, option groups, toggle buttons, option buttons, check boxes, combo ...

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